Hydraulic fracturing has been an area of aggressive research and development over the past several years, with operators and service companies introducing a number of “green” technologies as a response to public concerns and as part of the effort to improve well economics. Hydraulic fracturing to restore or enhance well productivity is performed in all types of formations and reservoirs and has become a high-profile operation as a result of its increased use in the prolific shale plays in North America and in other unconventional reservoirs.

Halliburton, Baker Hughes, Schlumberger, Weatherford International, GasFrac Energy Services, Universal Well Services and Frac Tech Services spoke with Drilling Contractor about the environmental aspects of hydraulic fracturing and “green” developments. These developments primarily address concerns of potential drinking water contamination, toxic chemical use and water use in fracturing operations.

Besides exploring for and producing energy resources, the energy industry is tasked with debunking myths and clarifying techniques used in hydraulic fracturing. Brian Petty, IADC executive vice president for government affairs; Lee Fuller, vice president for government relations for the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA); Bob Moran, vice president for governmental affairs for Halliburton; and David Adams, vice president of product enhancement for Halliburton, spoke with Drilling Contractor regarding the politics of hydraulic fracturing.

Even though the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has thus far not imposed a federal regulatory system usurping states’ regulatory authority in the area of hydraulic fracturing, the debate between the energy industry and environmentalists rages on.